State Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, was recognized yesterday by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) as one of its state legislators of the year at the 2012 BIO International Convention at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council and local life science leaders nominated Spilka for the award. She was selected as a recipient by a vote of the organization's state government relations committee.

Spilka, who serves as the Senate Chair of the BioTech Legislative Caucus, was recognized for her dedicated work to advance the biotechnology industry, her support of the issues important to the industry and her efforts to attract and retain life science companies in Massachusetts. Spilka's district includes Natick.

Spilka was praised for ensuring economic development initiatives take into account the medical technology industry.

The award ceremony took place at the Massachusetts Pavilion at the Convention. The theme of this year’s Pavilion – Lifecycle Massachusetts – illustrates how Massachusetts life sciences organizations span the spectrum of healthcare. From training and education, through research and discovery, and right through to manufacturing and delivery of treatment – this lifecycle is possible thanks to the unique collaboration of all stakeholders in the state’s biotechnology supercluster, including government.

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers, and related organizations across the country and in more than 30 other nations. Members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial, and environmental biotechnology products.